Microsoft today announced BlueTrack, a new mouse-tracking technology that the software giant claims is more precise than existing laser and optical mice, and works on more surfaces as well.
BlueTrack uses a blue light beam sensor that is four times the size of the typical laser mouse's beam, and integrates with a Microsoft-desgined tracking sensor. The result, the company says, is a mouse designed to work well on a range of materials, from carpet to granite countertop. BlueTrack will roll out in
Microsoft's high-end Explorer and Explorer Mini mice.
The BlueTrack-equipped Explorer Mouse will retail for $99.95, and the Explorer Mini for $79.95. Both will be available from Best Buy starting next month.
Alongside BlueTrack and its new BlueTrack-equipped mice, Microsoft has announced a number of other accessories and services, including its new Arc Mouse, which collapses to half its regular size for portability, and Video Messages, a new service Microsoft describes as "the video version of voice mail," allowing users to record a video message and share it with friends and family.